Adventure Collective
Changing of the Guard Tour in London with The Great Weekender - London

Changing of the Guard Tour in London with The Great Weekender

London•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking and standing but no strenuous exertion required.

Overview

Step directly into the heart of London’s royal traditions with The Great Weekender’s intimate Changing of the Guard tour. Discover the ceremony’s history and iconic landmarks over 2.5 hours of guided walking.

London, England

The Great Changing of the Guard Experience

For all ages • 2.5 Hours • Max of 15 People

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About This Adventure

Experience the iconic Changing of the Guard on this engaging 2.5-hour walking tour. Get up-close to the action as a knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories about the royal family, traditions, and the stunning palaces. With a small group, enjoy an intimate exploration of this historic military ceremony and its surroundings.

Duration: Around 2.5 Hous

Experience the Changing of the Guard as you watch this spectacular sight, where your guide gets you up-close to the action.

You will hear the story behind the changing of the guards, the traditions and the palaces in the district. You will hear about the King's Guard and their iconic scarlet uniforms including their distinctive bearskin hats.

You will get to see the best of this military procedure which in total lasts over 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to ask your guide questions as you hear about Kings and Queens, admire the statues and see the palaces and monuments.

You will see every part of the changing of the guard and its process, hearing the most intriguing tale of the Royal family.

Highlights

  • Buckingham Palace
  • St James Palace
  • Horseguards Parade
  • Duke of York Steps
  • Trafalgar Square
  • St James Park

Includes

  • Professional Tour Guide
  • 15 guests maximum

What Else You Should Know

  • It's a walking tour, but there's not a lot of distance involved. Wear comfortable shoes!
  • If it's raining or going to rain, please bring an umbrella.

Meeting Point

  • The Green Park

Adventure Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The tour involves walking on city sidewalks and standing for extended periods; sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential.

Check Weather and Pack Accordingly

London weather can be unpredictable; bringing a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket is recommended.

Arrive Early at Green Park

Meeting promptly at the designated spot ensures you don’t miss any part of the ceremony or introduction.

Bring a Camera with Zoom

Capture close-up shots of the uniforms and ceremony details without crowding the guards by using zoom lenses.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pelicans in St James’s Park
  • Occasional gulls and city squirrels around the palace grounds

History

The Changing of the Guard ceremony dates back to the 17th century and symbolizes the formal handover of responsibility for guarding royal residences.

Conservation

The Great Weekender supports preserving London’s historic sites by operating small group tours that minimize crowding and environmental footprint.

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Adventure Hotspots in London

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Supportive shoes ensure comfort during walking and standing periods.

Compact Umbrella

A small umbrella is useful to shield against unpredictable London rain.

spring|fall|summer|winter specific

Weather-Appropriate Layered Clothing

Essential

Dressing in layers accommodates temperature changes throughout the tour.

all specific

Camera with Zoom Lens

Helps capture detailed images of the ceremony from a respectful distance.